Hey there, Grace here. As a gardener, I know how much time and effort we put into our gardens, and it’s a bummer when something comes along and ruins it all. And when it comes to deer, they’re basically like the garden party crashers of the animal world. They’ll eat just about anything, and unfortunately, that includes your beloved zinnias.
Now, I’m not saying you should go out and start hunting deer. But I do have some tips on how to keep them from chomping on your flowers. One way is to put up a big ol’ fence around your garden. You know, like the ones you see around people’s backyards in the suburbs. Just make sure it’s at least 8 feet tall. I mean, deer are pretty tall, so you gotta make sure the fence is taller than them.
Another option is to use repellents. You can use an organic repellent, which makes the plants taste bad to deer. It’s like putting hot sauce on your plants, just less tasty for the deer.
You can also try planting things that deer are less likely to eat, like daffodils, iris, and marigolds. It’s like giving the deer a menu and they’ll just skip over your zinnias.
Just keep in mind that deer populations vary depending on the region and the time of year, so it’s always worth checking with local gardening clubs or parks department to know the level of population in your area.
Here are a few more tips on how to protect your zinnias from the garden party crashers, a.k.a deer.
- Plant them in pots: If you’re really worried about deer chomping on your zinnias, plant them in pots and bring them inside or put them in a greenhouse at night. This will keep them safe from deer, and any other critters that might want to nibble on your flowers.
- Use a motion-activated sprinkler: These are a great way to keep deer and other animals away from your garden. When the sprinkler senses motion, it sprays water, scaring the deer away. It’s like having a security guard for your garden, but with less paperwork.
- Make a noise: Sometimes, all it takes is a loud noise to scare deer away. You can hang wind chimes, or even set up a radio on a timer to play music or talk shows at night. The deer will think someone’s home, and they’ll stay away.
- Use natural predators’ urine: You can buy repellents that mimic the smell of natural predators, such as coyotes or foxes, which can help keep deer away. It’s like having a guard dog without the mess of feeding it.
- Plant them in a raised bed: If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Planting your zinnias in a raised bed can make it harder for deer to reach them. It’s like putting your flowers on a pedestal, but without the cheesy music.
By using a combination of these methods, you’ll be able to protect your zinnias and keep those garden party crashers away. And remember, a little bit of prevention goes a long way in keeping your garden looking beautiful. Happy gardening!
